Florida has shown its resilience in the playoffs, overcoming a two-goal deficit to stun Tampa Bay 4-2, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. This win saw two goals scored by the Panthers in just 11 seconds, mirroring Tampa's earlier two-goal surge, showcasing the intensity of this fierce rivalry. Both teams faced controversial calls, including a game misconduct for a boarding call against Tampa's Nikita Kucherov.

Meanwhile, Dallas put forth a dominant performance, defeating Colorado 6-2, with standout performances from Wyatt Johnston who made history with the fastest playoff goal in Stars history just nine seconds into the game. The Stars' offensive outburst was critical as they look to close out the series against the Avalanche.

This week, the spotlight shines on some underrated NHL players poised to make an impact in next season's fantasy hockey landscape. Among them, Quinton Byfield of the LA Kings is garnering attention for his potential breakout, showcasing his skills in the playoffs. Other players to watch include Carolina's Logan Stankoven, who has shown promise alongside seasoned veterans, and Thomas Harley from the Dallas Stars, who is stepping up in crucial playoff games. As the playoffs unfold, these emerging talents could become valuable assets for fantasy managers looking to stash players for the upcoming season.

The NHL trade deadline has proven to be a pivotal moment for teams looking to bolster their playoff chances. A focus on the Florida Panthers reveals that their acquisition of Seth Jones has significantly impacted their performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite initial skepticism about Jones' capabilities, he has excelled in penalty kill situations, helping maintain a strong defensive posture. The Panthers, as defending champions, have had their fair share of challenges this season, yet they have managed to rise to the occasion with strategic trades.

Another notable move involved Brad Marchand, who has provided veteran leadership and clutch performances for the Panthers. His presence has been invaluable, especially in high-stakes games. As the playoffs progress, both teams are showcasing resilience, making it clear that smart, rather than flashy, trading decisions can have lasting effects.

The Colorado Avalanche have made an impressive start to their playoff series against the Dallas Stars, winning Game 1 with a decisive score of 5-1. Despite the score suggesting a blowout, the game was tightly contested, with the Avalanche managing to take control in the second period thanks to a few fortunate goals. There were concerns over the absences of key players for the Stars, which might affect their performance going forward.

Gabriel Landeskog, the team captain, was surprisingly held out of Game 1 despite participating in morning skates and showing readiness. The Avalanche coaching staff is being cautious, potentially holding him for a more favorable home game environment. The presence of Landeskog could significantly impact the team’s morale and performance levels.

As the series progresses, the Avalanche will need to maintain their composure and not become overconfident. They have key areas to improve upon, particularly their power play, which could prove pivotal against a scrappy Dallas team that is known for its resilience.